Santa Speedo Run 2024 in Chicago

The Santa Speedo Run is a festive and charitable event that returns to Chicago in 2024, offering participants a unique way to celebrate the holiday season while supporting a meaningful cause. The run, which features participants clad in little more than Santa hats and speedos, takes place in the heart of the East Lakeview neighborhood.

Event Schedule and Program

The 2024 Santa Speedo Run will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 12 pm to 4 pm. The day's activities begin with sign-in at Sidetrack, a well-known bar in the Lakeview area, starting at noon. At 2 pm, the one-mile run will kick off, with participants making their way through the neighborhood in their festive outfits. Once the race is complete, the celebration continues with awards, entertainment, and door prizes at 2:30 pm. For those looking to keep the holiday spirit alive, the after-party at Sidetrack lasts until 8 pm, and the venue itself stays open until 3 am.

Registration and Fundraising

Interested participants can register for the event starting November 1, with a registration fee of $40. According to the organizers, this fee covers the basic participation in the event, while additional fundraising efforts are encouraged. Runners can create personalized fundraising pages through the JustGiving platform to gather donations for the Center on Halsted. Teams and individuals alike are welcome to join in the fun while working toward fundraising goals. Fundraisers are also incentivized with prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Location and Parking

The run takes place in the East Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, with Sidetrack serving as the event's central hub. East Lakeview is a vibrant, LGBTQ-friendly area that offers a range of restaurants, bars, and shops for visitors to explore. Parking in the area can be challenging, especially on weekends, so participants are advised to use public transportation or rideshare services when possible. The nearest major public transit options include the Red Line Belmont Station, just a short walk from Sidetrack.

History of the Santa Speedo Run

The Santa Speedo Run started in Boston and made its way to Chicago in 2011. Over the years, it has grown from a modest local event into a key part of the city’s holiday festivities. The race was founded by Karl Sponholtz and Jeff Colgan, who wanted to create a fun charity event specifically benefiting the LGBTQ community. Since its inception, the event has evolved into a major fundraising effort, with participants raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. In 2023, for example, the run raised over $150,000 for the Center on Halsted, demonstrating the event's growing impact.